Absence of antibody to human immunodeficiency virus in long-term, socially rehabilitated methadone maintenance patients.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become widespread among parenteral drug abusers. We measured antibody to HIV and hepatitis B virus markers in 58 long-term, socially rehabilitated methadone-maintained former heroin addicts. None of the 58 had antibody to HIV, but one or more markers of hepatitis B virus infection were seen in 53 (91%). The duration of methadone maintenance was 16.9 +/- 0.5 years, and the median dose of methadone was 60 mg (range, 5 to 100 mg). Before methadone treatment, the patients had abused heroin parenterally for 10.3 +/- 1.7 years, and they had engaged in additional high-risk practices for HIV infection. We conclude that successful outcomes during methadone maintenance treatment are associated with sparing of parenteral drug abusers from HIV infection.
Novick
D M
DM
Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10003.
Joseph
H
H
Croxson
T S
TS
Salsitz
E A
EA
Wang
G
G
Richman
B L
BL
Poretsky
L
L
Keefe
J B
JB
Whimbey
E
E
D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000276:immunology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D008691:Methadone